Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy remains in hospital after weekend stroke

Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy remains in hospital on Tuesday after suffering a stroke at his son's hockey game over the weekend. His office confirmed he is still hospitalized. Communications director Josh Sorbe said Murphy is continuing to improve and is heartened by the outpouring of well wishes. Sorbe added that Murphy early voted in Connecticut and urges everyone to vote and send a message in this defining election. The Senate will resume session on Monday following Tuesday’s midterm elections. Chief of staff Allison Herwitt said Murphy began showing symptoms on Saturday at the hockey game and was taken to a local hospital where doctors diagnosed a stroke. He was then transferred to Johns Hopkins Hospital for monitoring and is responding well to treatment. Herwitt noted that Murphy was awake and alert after the transfer. Johns Hopkins’ main campus is in Baltimore with additional locations around Washington. Murphy is not up for reelection on Tuesday but has been traveling this fall to support Democratic candidates. He entered the Senate in 2013 after six years in the U.S. House. He has also been mentioned as a possible presidential candidate in 2028.

Context

Strokes are a leading cause of sudden disability and often require specialized care such as that offered at Johns Hopkins. Senators frequently travel for campaign events, which can increase health risks during a busy season. The timing of Murphy’s illness coincides with a crucial midterm election that could affect control of Congress.